Filament-Fin Parrotfish

Scarus altipinnis

The Filament-fin Parrotfish, or Scarus altipinnis, is a marine ray-finned fish found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean. It is notable for the slightly elongated middle ray in the dorsal fin of terminal phase males. These males exhibit a green coloration towards the tail, with bluish-green bars on their chins and similar colored spots and lines around the eye and operculum. The females are brownish with white spots, while juveniles have a distinctive yellow head and a striped or mottled body. This species can grow up to 60 centimeters in length. Scarus altipinnis inhabits the western Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands to the Line and Ducie Islands, extending north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands. It is commonly found along the reef margins of seaward reefs, with juveniles and subadults preferring shallow protected reefs. They are typically observed at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters, with a significant number recorded shallower than 40 meters. This parrotfish is herbivorous, primarily grazing on algae. It is an oviparous species, with males and females forming distinct pairs during spawning. Divers may encounter Scarus altipinnis in large groups, although juveniles are often solitary. The species is commercially fished, particularly in Micronesia, and faces threats from habitat destruction. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.